"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised." Isaiah 63:7

Friday, July 18, 2008

Restless Farewell

At a concert to celebrate Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday in 1995, Dylan gave a rare performance of "Restless Farewell", requested by the guest of honor. Dylan wrote these breathtakingly insightful lyrics when he was about 20 years old. This is a song written by someone who is brutally honest with himself, and especially poignant that he is singing it in his early 50's. Enjoy.

Oh all the money that in my whole life I did spend,Be it mine right or wrongfully,I let it slip gladly past the hands of my friendsTo tie up the time most forcefully.But the bottles are done,We've killed each oneAnd the table's full and overflowed.And the corner signSays it's closing time,So I'll bid farewell and be down the road.

Oh ev'ry girl that ever I've touched,I did not do it harmfully.And ev'ry girl that ever I've hurt,I did not do it knowin'ly.But to remain as friends and make amendsYou need the time and stay behind.And since my feet are now fastAnd point away from the past,I'll bid farewell and be down the line.

Oh ev'ry foe that ever I faced,The cause was there before we came.And ev'ry cause that ever I fought,I fought it full without regret or shame.But the dark does dieAs the curtain is drawn and somebody's eyesMust meet the dawn.And if I see the dayI'd only have to stay,So I'll bid farewell in the night and be gone.

Oh, ev'ry thought that's strung a knot in my mind,I might go insane if it couldn't be sprung.But it's not to stand naked under unknowin' eyes,It's for myself and my friends my stories are sung.But the time ain't tall,Yet on time you depend and no word is possessedBy no special friend.And though the line is cut,It ain't quite the end,I'll just bid farewell till we meet again.

Oh a false clock tries to tick out my timeTo disgrace, distract, and bother me.And the dirt of gossip blows into my face,And the dust of rumors covers me.But if the arrow is straightAnd the point is slick,It can pierce through dust no matter how thick.So I'll make my standAnd remain as I amAnd bid farewell and not give a damn.